Christopher man charged with killing wife

A Christopher man has been charged with homicide after he allegedly shot his wife Monday evening.

Illinois State Police say Brian D. Pheasant, 43, was in the Franklin County Jail Monday morning following the death of his wife. Pheasant is been charged with homicide following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Beth A. Pheasant of Christopher Oct. 31.

On Tuesday, State's Attorney Evan Owens filed two charges of first-degree murder against Pheasant. Judge Eric Dirnbeck set bond at $2 million, and Pheasant was due in court this morning, Nov. 2 for a first hearing.

Owens declined to offer further comment to the Evening News Tuesday afternoon, citing the ongoing investigation.

Police say they responded to the Pheasant resident on Egyptian Avenue following a 911 call. They found Beth Pheasant had sustained a gunshot wound. She was subsequently pronounced dead by Franklin County Coroner Marty Leffler.

John Young, who has lived in the Pheasants' quiet neighborhood for about five years, said he's never known of any trouble at the house.

"I don't really know them," Young said, "but it's always been pretty quiet here. But I woke up around 1 a.m., and I knew that something was definitely going on."

Christopher schools Superintendent Richard Towers released a statement following the tragedy.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that are affected during this difficult time," Towers said. "Counselors have been made available for our students."

Privacy laws prohibit Towers from confirming or denying whether the couple have children attending the local schools.

Officers from the Christopher Police Department continue to protect the crime scene. Christopher Police Chief Bill Southerd was unable to be reached for a comment.